This weeks #OTalk is on the topic of “Recognition of OT” and will be hosted by Jen Gash (@OTcoachUK).This chat is one in a series of chats being hosted in collaboration with the OT Show (@TheOTshow).

Here is what Jen has to say…

Ever since I became an occupational therapist around 25 years ago, there has been a constant narrative regarding the lack of recognition of the profession as a whole. Generally, I agree. Forgetting for now the poorly understood name of our profession, we are a small profession compared to other health care professions, rarely mentioned in the press (although this has definitely improved in the last couple of years) but there continues to be poor public awareness about what we do, a lack of acknowledgement regarding the importance of people’s occupational needs and a lack of occupational therapists in positions of leadership and influence.

People kinda just know what a nurse, physio, social worker or doctor is, don’t they and it’s so frustrating.

However, I believe that at this time more than ever before, occupational therapy needs to be recognised in numerous ways:

Recognition of what human occupation truly is, how central it is to human wellbeing and also to that of wider communities/societies – health is not merely achieved through a medical approach

Recognition that many of societies current difficulties could be alleviated through a grounded occupational approach

Recognition of the staggering work that occupational therapists continue to do to support health, social and education systems and that our impact as a profession could be magnified through more consultation opportunities and funding support.

Recognition of the trail blazers in our profession and the new frontiers they are exploring

This OTalk will explore the following questions in relation to “recognition” in occupational therapy:

What makes us (occupational therapists) feel we lack recognition at work and in broader society?

What sort of recognition would society value and make a real difference to our profession?

What examples do you all have, that demonstrate that OT is being recognised?

What other ways outside of the usual, might give occupational therapy the recognition it needs?

If you want to get some recognition for you, your staff or service, don’t forget to nominate people for this years OT Show Awards! Details here : https://www.theotshow.com/awards

POST CHAT

Chat Host; Jen Gash (@OTcoachUK).This chat is one in a series of chats being hosted in collaboration with the OT Show (@TheOTshow).